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Dogs can develop health problems that make them unable to urinate. Bladder stones are the most common cause. Some breeds, such as Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, Bichon Frises and Pomeranians, are more prone to this. Underlying illnesses like Cushing’s disease and portosystemic shunts also increase the risk for stones, as does the presence of a urinary tract infection. Males seem to be at higher risk than females.

Need a canine fix when you’re traveling without your dog? The Craddock Terry Hotel in Lynchburg, Virginia, has you covered. The hotel recently appointed Wire Fox Terrier Penny Loafer to the role of Official Greeter and Concierge. Penny Loafer is taking over for 10-year-old Buster Brown, who is headed into retirement. Penny Loafer is in charge …

Pets are our family — so why are the resources for grieving a beloved pet so limited? The loss of Kaleel Sakakeeny’s cat, Kyro, led him to answer this need. “The death and grief were devastating. I became truly lost, much to my great surprise. Few professionals are trained in the grief process,” Kaleel says. …

Ahhh, sleep, that peaceful pleasure. Slurp! … As I was saying, sweet slumber, drifting, drifting … Slurp! Few things are more annoying than the wet, sloppy sound of a dog licking himself when you’ve just crawled into bed. It’s like nails on a chalkboard —
especially when it won’t stop. Why do dogs lick themselves before sleeping?

Last year, my family adopted a senior-aged Chihuahua mix named Laney. She walked on a leash, liked car rides and had a hearty appetite. But, it soon became clear that Laney was happiest curled up on my lap with no one else around. If dogs had theme songs, Laney’s would be Just the Two of Us by Bill Withers. She growled at my husband and kids, and verged on aggressive when my other Chihuahua would innocently try to claim a leg for herself.

A dog’s acute sense of smell lets him identify unique odors that cancer cells emit. It is assumed that each different cancer gives off a unique scent for the dog to alert to. There have been several double-blind studies conducted that show trained dogs can successfully sniff out cancer through biological samples, like breath. The first of such tests were done in 2006.

When you think of “fiber,” does your mind conjure up images of crumbly bran muffins, cardboard-like wafers and cereals that look more like twigs than food? That’s how I used to feel about fiber. Since I became vegan, however, I’ve discovered that fiber is found in a wide variety of delicious plant-based foods. This is great news, because fiber is important for health, and most of us don’t get enough of it.

How long do Chihuahuas live? The Chihuahua lifespan is pretty long -- as much as 17 years -- but they have a tendency to develop health problems like hypoglycemia, joint ailments, eye infections and bronchitis. Also, the tops of their skulls never fully develop, leaving soft spots ("moleras") that should be protected.

Many dog parents keep cleaning products that are not safe for dogs around the house. So, is Pine Sol safe for dogs? Is Lysol safe for pets? Are Mr. Clean, Clorox Bathroom Cleaner and Scrubbing Bubbles safe for dogs? What about detergents like Tide and Cheer?

Confused on how to clean your dog's ears? How often should you clean your dog's ears and can you clean your dog's ears at home? Check out our how-to and how often guide to clean your dog's ears safely and effectively.